Hlemmur area

Description of the action and objectives

Green Deal action

The Hlemmur area will undergo major transformation in the future, and a new plan is being developed that will promote vibrant public life and encourage community engagement among diverse groups. A new town square will be built in the area that will provide a setting for diverse public life, provide shelter, and serve as an exciting leisure area. The new plan includes the CityLine route through Hlemmur and prioritizes public transportation and active travel modes in the area.

 

Implementation period

Planned completion in the second half of 2025

Status: In progress

Status report on July 1, 2025

Construction design is underway for phase 3 of the square and construction is underway on phase 2 of the square. Construction of phase 3 is expected to begin in spring 2026. Design of the playground in the square is well underway. In summer 2025, a temporary playground was set up for children, which immediately brought life to the area and was very popular. With the completion of work south and east of the food hall, the area immediately came to life, demonstrating the gradual realization of the project's goals. Preliminary design has begun for the area north of Hlemmur and the planned CityLine street and biking path expected there.

Older status reports

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Timeline Progress description
January 2024 Development for the first phase of Hlemmur is complete. A new pedestrian area has emerged on Laugavegur near Snorrabraut. The northern parts of Rauðarárstígur and Mjölnisholt have been redesigned as shared streets. In summer 2024, further development is planned for Laugavegur near Hlemmur and part of Rauðarárstígur. Simultaneously, design work is ongoing for the square area and the upcoming CityLine through the area.
July 2023 Development is in full swing at Hlemmur, with Laugavegur between Snorrabraut and Hverfisgötu in the final stages. Rauðarárstígur south is also in its final stages of development. Surface finishing on Mjölnisholt has begun for the first phase of the development. Planning for the next milestone is in progress, with the majority of the phase already designed.
January 2023 Work on Rauðarárstígur and Laugavegur, the first phase of the new Hlemmur Square and its vicinity, began during this period. Construction at Mjölnisholt will begin in 2023.
July 2022 Work on Rauðarárstígur, the first phase of the new Hlemmur Square and its vicinity, began during this period. Square design work underway.

 

Connection of action to Reykjavík City's policies:

 

Reykjavík City departments: